So for a long time the community has come to the conclusion that Jaina is a dreadlord. That she has died at various points in time depending on the theory. What I have is a possible new theory or at least a decent explanation for where she is, So here we go!
Lets go back in time to Tides of War the cover of this book shows Jaina underwater. As Rhonin protects them in the portal Jaina is rendered unconscious this is where the point of departure happens as to keep the "illusion to the player/reader base intact" Who would benefit the most from the Mists Campaign and the War between the Alliance and Horde on azeroth?
Now what do we have nearby, Alcaz Island a place filled with Naga. It would require someone of immense power to keep that illusion intact. So with this in place could it be possible that Queen Azshara replaced Jaina? Here are my reasons:
- Alcaz Island though far from the Naga capital is an outpost of sorts but the Queen has shown up in many places, from Darkshore to the Broken Isles.
- The Queen is the most powerful mage alive on azeroth, replicating Jainas spells would be simple for her. As would maintaining a glamor spell as she did to Prince farondis in Azune.
- Using the focusing Iris on Orgrimmar was the original plan but seeing Kalecgos the former aspect of magic may have granted her certain insights or atleast ideas on how to proceed and weaken long term than drown the city at that time. As well as the potential to manipulate the dragon himself.
- Taking a more relaxed stance in dalaran she would have been in position to make it "easier" for the players to steal the Divine bell. Ordering the Purge would remove those who could potentially see past the illusion. As well as ensuring the alliance does not bring the Blood Elves back into the alliance and granting her further chaos in the War.
- Seizing the Thunder Kings powers would grant her mastery over the Skies, along with her own sea powers. Boosting her potential and gathering power for when the time is right.
- Having the Alliance and Horde at each others throat and pushing for the dismantlement of the horde at the end would only weaken the alliance further to occupy the horde. Weakening Azeroth's defenders even further.
- During the events of War Crimes Jaina is killed during the fight with her Shadow counterpart. If Queen Azshara is half as powerful as we suspect her to be, another illusion is hardly the matter.
- Granting power to the player during the WoD campaign would give her chance to investigate the potential of the iron horde and its actions. As well as seeing if Draenor has anything useful.
- Quitting the council of Six for bring back the sunreavers. It could be an indication that her plan is not going as expected. As we know that azeroth is stronger together and it's never been more united than right now. A true wedge in her plans and she has abandoned or altered the main plan.
If this is true Jaina could very well be a prisoner somewhere, possibly kul tiras which could be under occupation in its own right. Its far out but it would atleast give the writers a way out with what Jainas character has become and make the Queen pretty bad ass if true. What do you think?